Celebrating 99 years of the Tucson Rodeo. 

From barrel racing to bull riding, the Tucson Rodeo has it all!

Last week, the kids and I attended the annual Tucson Rodeo, which marked 99 years since its establishment in 1925. The week of events is an opportunity for the southern Arizona community to showcase our rich western heritage. 

While at the Rodeo, I was thrilled to meet with some of our U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents and Officers. Because of conversations like these, I have been proud to introduce legislation such as H.R. 7369, the CBP HiRe Act of 2024, to help recruit and retain more individuals who are dedicated to protecting our nation.

It was incredible to see the wide variety of talent here in our backyard, from marching bands to our young cowboys and cowgirls. Cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rodeo’s centennial anniversary next year!

Investing in our next generation.  

On Friday, I had the opportunity to visit with students, teachers, and faculty at Vista Grande High School in Casa Grande.

I had the opportunity to discuss education-focused legislation facing Congress and detail how it could impact them. I was honored at the chance to share a little of the wisdom that my own parents, teachers, and mentors passed on to me and encouraged the students with this message: Nothing is beyond your reach if you work hard.

It was also great to speak with teachers and students about a bill I co-led, H.R. 5645, the Earn to Learn Act. This will create a federal program that assists low-income students in saving for college and creates matching accounts for Federal Pell Grant funds. 

As a parent of six children myself, it is always great to connect with students in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District. I am constantly impressed by their achievements, and grateful for the faculty and staff who are pouring into the next generation.

We are so blessed to live in a country where each of these students represent unlimited potential and opportunity, and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.

Go Spartans!  

Breaking ground in Eloy.

Last week, I attended the groundbreaking for the new Exceptional Community Hospital in Eloy. This hospital will provide the community direct access to an 11-room emergency department and 8 in-patient rooms. I spoke to health care professionals about my bill, H.R. 6078, the GROWTH Act, which will expand eligibility for federal grant programs to community colleges to train health care workers, specifically nurses.  

I am proud to welcome this new location to the district! Whether it’s welcoming new facilities to the area, easing access to existing care, or expanding telehealth opportunities, I will always advocate for the best possible healthcare options directly to everyone throughout our district and right here in Pinal County.

Welcoming our newest U.S. citizens.

On Friday, I had the honor of speaking at a naturalization ceremony in Tucson. At this event, we celebrated individuals from different countries who all took the final steps in gaining their U.S. citizenship. It feels like just yesterday that I was participating in my own naturalization ceremony. It was so inspiring to hear stories of individuals from across the world; their lives serve as a testament to the resilience of the American Dream and the boundless possibilities we have in this great country.

Calling All Veterans & Gold Star families.

Calling all Arizona veterans & Gold Star families! My office is now looking to fill a 2-year congressional aide position, which will focus on our military and veterans. The position, the Green & Gold Fellow, will assist my office with a number of issues surrounding our veterans, service members, and military families. To qualify, we are looking for honorably discharged veterans released from active duty within the last six years or a Gold Star child, spouse, parent or sibling. Further qualifications are included – please click here for more information. 

Profiles of the America Dream: Buffalo Soldiers Association President.

For a 17-year-old kid living in the South Bronx, the allure of joining the Army was too hard to resist.

“I wanted to see the world and go places,” Demetria Warren says. “And I did.”

Germany, Panama, Korea – her 22 years in uniform took Demetria around the globe. But it’s in Sierra Vista where she decided to retire, and where she has found new purpose as president of the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers.

The first African American soldiers rode into what was then called Camp Huachuca in 1890s. They helped build the remote post at the edge of the frontier and played a key role protecting citizens, mail and supply routes throughout the southwest. Buffalo Soldiers went on to serve our nation with distinction in overseas conflicts and were among the first care takers of our national parks.

“The people were trailblazers,” Demetria says. “It’s important to share that history. It’s American history.”

Demetria calls Sierra Vista her “peaceful place” and can’t imagine living anyplace else. “I’m a woman of God,” she says. “When I look up at the mountains, I see the glory. I am living the American Dream. I’m living it every day.”

With 20,000 cars coming on the Buffalo Trail in Sierra Vista each day, this arterial road has a huge impact on our community. I secured Community Project Funding (CPF) in the initial Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill for $3.7 Million for reconstruction of a portion of the Buffalo Solider Trail.

Share your story. 

Our district encompasses so many incredible people and stories that I want to share both with my colleagues in Washington and through the platforms I have as a member of Congress, such as speaking on the House floor. You can visit my website and share your story with me and my team. I look forward to hearing from you! 

As always, my office and I are here to assist you. If you would like to share a comment or tell us your story, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to serving you!

Unsubscribe